Greg King Honored with Robert Sieghart Award for Enthusiasm for the Economic Development Profession
Cornerstone Alliance’s Greg King Honored as the Recipient of the Michigan Economic Developers Association’s Robert Sieghart Award for Enthusiasm for the Economic Development Profession
Cornerstone Alliance is proud to announce that Greg King, Director of Economic Development, has been awarded the 2025 Robert Sieghart Award by the Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA). This award recognizes individuals who embody the spirit of economic development, demonstrating vision, collaboration, and impact that strengthens communities across Michigan.
The Robert Sieghart Award is presented to a professional who demonstrates an exceptional passion for advancing the field, mentoring others, and bringing diverse voices into the profession. Recipients are champions of growth and opportunity who understand that when communities thrive, the entire state benefits.
“Greg makes economic development exciting, personal, and full of possibility,” said Marla Schneider, President and CEO of Cornerstone Alliance. “His ability to connect people, build partnerships, and drive results has created lasting impact not just here in Southwest Michigan but across the state. This recognition is a reflection of Greg’s energy, optimism, and commitment to helping businesses and communities succeed.”
Greg has made his mark in every role he has held, from Lakeshore Advantage and Greater Muskegon Economic Development to his current work at Cornerstone Alliance. Known for his infectious enthusiasm and creative leadership style, Greg has a unique ability to mentor colleagues, bring new partners to the table, and inspire collaboration. His accomplishments include helping lead a $70 million multi-municipal expansion with GE Aviation in Muskegon County and strengthening Lakeshore Advantage’s business retention efforts, including supporting LG Energy Solution’s $1.7 billion expansion in Holland. In addition, he has launched and secured more than $2.2 million in workforce training funds across West Michigan, revitalized peer advisory groups to bring employers and partners together and developed a business intelligence survey that engaged more than 100 employers.
Greg has been a dedicated MEDA member since the beginning of his economic development career, citing MEDA’s Basic Training as a pivotal milestone. Today, he continues to actively contribute to the organization through events, mentorship, and thought leadership.
“I am truly honored to receive the Robert Sieghart Award,” said Greg King. “Economic development is about people and about creating opportunities that change lives and communities. I am grateful to my colleagues at Cornerstone Alliance, our partners across Michigan, and the MEDA network for their support and collaboration. This award is as much theirs as it is mine.”
Cornerstone Alliance congratulates Greg on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates his contributions to advancing economic development in Michigan.
About Cornerstone Alliance
Cornerstone Alliance is Berrien County’s premier economic development organization, dedicated to driving growth, investment, and job creation throughout the region. With a focus on supporting businesses at every stage, Cornerstone Alliance serves as a catalyst for sustainable economic development in Southwest Michigan.
